Cloud Test Enviroment

I would like to setup a cloud based Windows server test enviroment with SCCM and Active Directory. What would be the most cost effective way of accomplishing this?

Thanks

I think you'd need to look at something like a beefed up Workstation, with lots of memory and enough CPU power, then either use a hypervisor (like the free ESXi version, proxmox or KVM) or use something like VMware workstation or VirtualBOX. This way you can install all the required machines on 1 system, you can install the 180 days trial versions of Windows Server 2012, SCCM and so on ...

If you really want to do this in a cloud environment it will run costly, how much exactly is hard to say, it will require some calculations, but you'll need a VPN connection to it if you want to access it from your local network, so it will add to the cost.

Can you give some more information on what it is exactly you're trying to achieve?

I think you'd need to look at something like a beefed up Workstation, with lots of memory and enough CPU power, then either use a hypervisor (like the free ESXi version, proxmox or KVM) or use something like VMware workstation or VirtualBOX. This way you can install all the required machines on 1 system, you can install the 180 days trial versions of Windows Server 2012, SCCM and so on ...

If you really want to do this in a cloud environment it will run costly, how much exactly is hard to say, it will require some calculations, but you'll need a VPN connection to it if you want to access it from your local network, so it will add to the cost.

Can you give some more information on what it is exactly you're trying to achieve?

Try Azure.

You can sign up for a free trial. After that pay as you go.

I agree with Adam. Keith Mayer has a blog regarding the first steps of setting up a test lab in Azure: http://blogs.technet.com/b/keithmayer/p/earlyexpertlabsetup_azure.aspx